running while pregnant

You may have heard about 27 year old Amber Miller, the woman who ran the Chicago Marathon yesterday -- nearly 39 weeks into her second pregnancy -- and then hours later delivered a healthy baby girl.  Amazing.  Incredible!  Some say her actions were selfish and she should not have run (walk) the marathon because of the potential risks to her unborn child.  I disagree.  I think a pregnant woman understands her body better than anyone and only she understands what her limitations are.  What do you think?  Did you run during pregnancy?

I did not run at all with my first pregnancy.  I ran prior to conceiving but pretty much stopped all physical activity when I learned I was pregnant.  With my second, I ran until about 14 weeks -- when I began doing more walking than running.  My "running" pace had slowed to a fast walk and even three miles felt like too much (and took too much time!).  That's when I threw in the towel.  I can't imagine running through a pregnancy myself, but I think it's awesome when another woman can -- and does!

A running pal locally ran the Chicago Marathon yesterday.  She passed Amber out on the course and said she was amazed that this woman was out there running.  The story is on every website, but here's a link if you need one.  Chicago Marathon

Running Again

My first run in almost 2 months.

I had my Garmin GPS running watch on, my iPod clipped to my running shorts, and my running shoes on.  I felt like I was meeting with an old friend.

I decided to take it really easy, since I wasn't sure how I would feel.  I have been teaching my weekly class at the Y, as well as trying Muscle Pump with really light weights.  I would usually go home, shower, and take a long nap out of sheer exhaustion.  I just haven't had the energy to try running yet.  But I have been feeling much better this last week.

The 12-minute pace I kept felt very slow when I looked at my watch.  But it felt really good for my body, so I stayed there. 

A 60+ year old man passed me on the rail trail.  He looked at me, recognized me from the Y, and yelled, "Well, this is a first for me!"

I just swallowed my pride and yelled back, "You're looking strong!  Keep it up!"

Either way, those 3 miles still felt pretty amazing.  It is good to be back!

Did your pace slow down significantly with pregnancy?  Like 3-4 minutes per mile?

Natalie has a question

Hi there, I can't find anything out there to support this but do you think, or know of, any cases where a heart rate monitor gets wonky while you're pregnant? My last two runs my heart rate has jumped to insane #'s and then dropped right back to normal #'s just as fast, and yet I'm not out of breath or tired. Is there any chance it's picking up my baby's heart rate? Or is my heart rate monitor just broken?

thank you,
natalie

Natalie adds that she suspects this is impossible, but it has only started happening since she has been pregnant. Has anyone else ever experienced this? Are any of you heart monitor experts? Let's help a gal out. :)

Big Belly update!

It was a great week running with the belly and I discovered a few things this week that might be of interest. First is what type of back and belly support to wear while running was a big question for me. I searched for any reviews and advice from other runners and the best suggestion was the Gabrialla Maternity Support Belt found in several locations but I ordered my online through http://www.fitmaternity.com/. I am measuring at 36 1/2 inches so having a support belt while I run is crucial. I love how this belt is adjustable and it really gives my lower back the support it needs.

I have also been searching for a running shirt that will cover my belly. I always run in shirts that are made with dry wick breathable fabric but my belly hangs out the bottom of all my shirts. I looked all over town looking for a shirt with the idea that I could just by a bigger size and it would work. What I discovered is that they just don't fit right, it either looks like a huge tent or my belly hangs out the bottom. I was getting a little frustrated and figured I would check to see if there was anything online. I only found one shirt that had all the features that I was looking for so I gave in and ordered it even though it was a little spendy. I am so glad I bought it because it fits perfectly and is so comfortable. I also found it on http://www.fitmaternity.com/
it is called the BornFit Lindsey Maternity Tee http://www.fitmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/bf002.html (I bought the light blue). So if you want a great shirt check this one out!

My running this week consisted of two four milers (half mile walking to warm up and half mile cool down so I ran three miles in between) and a 6 1/2 miler on Saturday (I walked a mile before and a mile after so actually ran 4 1/2 miles). I also did two days of cross-training during the week (spinning, cardio/weight class). My running seemed easier than last week and my legs did not seem as fatigued. I notice that it takes me several miles to warm up and get into a rhythm, which is double what it takes when I am not pregnant. My breathing is a little heavier than normal but feels in control. I think walking before and after I run is very important. I have found that the motion of a slow jog is actually more comfortable sometimes than a brisk walk. This is a motivator for me to just keep running. I was a little stiff and tired after my Saturday run but nothing that made me worry that I was pushing too hard. I actually feel really good and have noticed that underneath the layer of fat pregnant mommies carry, my muscles are getting stronger and feel good. I am just going to take it a week at a time, so this week was good and I will continue on with another week of training. I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions let me know.